Hearing Loss Prevention Responsibilities

At Virginia Tech, supervisors, employees, and EHS work together to effectively reduce occupational noise exposures, prevent noise-induced permanent hearing loss, and comply with OSHA and MSHA regulations.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Implementing engineering and/or administrative controls to reduce noise exposure,
• Notifying EHS of changes in workplace processes or equipment which affect noise levels,
• Notifying EHS of employee new hires, rehires, transfers, or terminations,
• Ensuring that proper hearing protection is provided,
• Enforcing the use of required hearing protection,
• Assuring employees attend required HLP training.

Employee Responsibilities

• Following safe work practices that reduce or prevent occupational noise exposures,
• Attending HLP required training,
• Participating in the audiometric testing under the Occupational Health Assurance Program,
• Wearing properly fitted hearing protection when necessary,
• Reporting to supervisors any changes in processes or equipment that alter noise levels.

EHS

• Prioritizing evaluations of work areas based on noise exposure,
• Performing noise measurements,
• Educating supervisors and employees about the effects of noise,
• Consulting and advising on engineering and administrative controls to reduce noise exposure,
• Recommending proper hearing protection devices,
• Providing annual hearing test services under the Occupational Health Assurance Program,
• Training employees and supervisors in the need for, and proper use and care of hearing protection devices.